Sony Electronics, at CES 2015, has introduced new portable audio products which include a new High Resolution Walkman NW-ZX2 player, Wireless Stereo Headset MDR-1ABT and a headphone DAC/amplifier PHA-1A to enhance mobile or computer listening experience. In addition to that Sony has also announced a Hi-Res car audio head unit.
Sony Walkman NW-ZX2
The Walkman NW- ZX2 sports 4.0 inch FWVGA (854×480) and has the built-in storage/memory of 128 GB and in addition micro SD card slot is available for expansion of the memory. Wi-Fi and a large capacity Lithium-ion battery that provides up to 60-hours (MP3 at 128kbps) of music playback per charge. Hi-Res Audio 33 hrs (FLAC 192kHz/24bit). The Walkman supports digital music files up to 192 kHz/24 bit for playback. Powered with the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, NW-ZX2 supports the file formats including MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, AIFF, WAV and ALAC including DSD (Linear PCM conversion playback).
The NW-ZX2 is packed with the frame made of aluminum alloy. The Walkman is well packed with a rigid case. Sony claims that the structure is extremely stable due to its low electric resistivity due to the adoption of the gold-plated copperplate in the structure. According to the company the device produces a powerful bass and the improved sense of stereo with the help of a number of audio components, such as the enhancement of power supply by using of electric double layer capacitors , OS-CON and large capacity Li-ion battery. The other refinements that also contribute to the high-quality sound are thick-film copper-layer PCBs, OFC cables and high-purity lead-free solder. These enable the NW-ZX2 to achieve a higher sound resolution by reducing the impedance.
Other features in the NW-ZX2 include Wi-Fi, NFC, Media Go (for Windows), Content Transfer for Mac, 65.1×131.2×18.5 mm. The Walkman NW-ZX2 will cost around $1200 and will be available in spring 2015.
Wireless Stereo Headset MDR-1ABT
The successor to the Sony MDR-1A headphones, the new wireless stereo headset MDR-1ABT is also announced. It delivers high quality sound on-the-go with Bluetooth connectivity. The new headphones are said to offer remarkable comfort with ergonomic ear pads and a wraparound design for improved fit that also prevents sound leakage.
The MDR-1ABT headphones feature a lightweight and responsive aluminum coated Liquid Crystal Polymer Film diaphragms to provide the rigidity necessary for balanced sound reproduction, while minimizing coloration across the audio spectrum. The headphones offer hands-free talk with echo cancellation and noise suppression that enables clear sound quality for hands-free calls on compatible smartphones. Additionally, they feature touch sensor controls with NFC to allow users to control music from the side of the headphones easily without having to connect with wires or use set-up codes.
The MDR-1ABT Bluetooth Headphones will be available in spring 2015.
Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier PHA-1A
Along with the two major audio products above, Sony has also announced a supportive accessory for both above to enhance the quality of anything you listen to. That’s the Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier PHA-1A. It’s easily connectable to your compatible digital music devices whether it’s your PC or a smartphone via USB input and delivers Hi-Res audio playback on the go.
The PHA-1A is lightweight and it elevates the listening experience allowing you to bring the highest quality sound with you wherever you go. The PHA-1A Portable Headphone Amp / DAC will be available in spring 2015.
Car Audio Head Unit
One more thing audio, Sony announced the new mobile product line-up features the first car audio head unit that is compatible with high-resolution audio formats including DSD native playback. The single DIN head unit will include a DSEE HX (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) to reproduce high-resolution audio even with traditional lower resolution sources, such as MP3’s.
The High-resolution car audio head unit will be available in summer 2015.
